Los Angeles Clippers earn chippy win over Blake Griffin, Pistons

The Los Angeles Clippers and Detroit Pistons met for the first time since the blockbuster trade surrounding Blake Griffin, with LA coming out on top.

We sure didn’t have to wait long for this one. Two weeks ago, Blake Griffin was an LA Clipper. Today, he is a member of the Detroit Pistons. How quickly things can change. The Clippers won their third straight Friday night, defeating the Pistons 108-95. Trailing by three entering the fourth quarter, the Clippers outscored Detroit 31-15, and won the game by 13 points. Here are some takeaway’s from the matchup.

A Quiet Night for Blake Griffin

All eyes were turned on Griffin, who was facing his team for the first time since the trade. Finishing with 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists, Blake seemingly had a good night in the box score. However, those 19 points did not come easy whatsoever. On 19 shot attempts, Griffin only connected on seven of them. Even worse, he was 1-for-7 from deep. While on the court, he posted a +/- of -3. Safe to say, he wasn’t a factor tonight. He did have one memorable play, though.

https://twitter.com/NBA/status/962141069482909696

Where was this the last few years, Blake?

It’s also noteworthy that after the game, he didn’t shake hands or acknowledge any of his former teammates.

Austin Rivers is back…. and he’s good.

Really good. Austin Rivers finally returned after missing over a month’s worth of games. Prior to his injury, he had a 10-game stretch where he was averaging over 20 points a game. On the night, Rivers had 16 points, on a very nice 7-for-13 from the field. He also knocked down two 3’s.

https://twitter.com/LAClippers/status/962120028328927232

Not only was his three ball falling, he was able to get to the basket with ease. It appears some of Jamal Crawford has rubbed off on him, because Detroit fell victim numerous times this evening to his crossover.

Lou Williams is Worth Every Penny of his New Contract

Lou Williams had another great game, what else is new? Williams finished the night with 26 points, knocking down four 3’s. He was a +16 when he was out there on the court. As if leading the team in scoring wasn’t enough, he also led the team in assists, with six.

Williams wasn’t the only spark off the bench, as Montrezl Harrell finished the game with 18 points.

Overall, this is just a very good win for the Clippers. It appeared earlier in the game it was going to be difficult, but that fourth-quarter performance showed us the potential of this Clippers team. On the evening, LA grabbed 57 rebounds, with 14 of them coming on the offensive end. The Clippers are now in seventh place in the Western Conference, and are tied with the Thunder and Blazers with 25 losses. If tonight’s game, and the last three games for that matter, are a sign of things to come, some good things are coming for this team.